By KPC Sports Reporter
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series officially got underway on Thursday at Karen Country Club, signalling the start of another expansive and competitive season across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Now in its sixth edition, the Series builds on five successful years that have firmly established NCBA as the leading corporate supporter of golf in the region.
At the launch, the bank announced a renewed commitment of over KES 60 million to support golf development in 2026.
Central to this commitment is the renewal of partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF).
Under the renewed agreement, KGU will receive KES 6 million to support the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, which teed off today with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club.
The Junior Golf Foundation will receive KES 12 million to fund junior tournaments throughout the year, aimed at nurturing young talent and widening access to the sport.
In Kenya, the Series will feature 35 events, comprising 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs and two Club Nites. Uganda will host three events, Rwanda two, and Tanzania one.
The first leg will be played at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on January 31, before the Series traverses the region and culminates in the Grand Finale at Karen Country Club on November 27, 2026.
Overall, the 2026 NCBA-sponsored calendar will feature 166 golf events across the four countries, up from 164 in 2025. Kenya will host 123 events, Uganda 35, Tanzania five and Rwanda three.
Junior golf continues to be a major focus, with 90 junior tournaments scheduled across the region.
Kenya will host 49, Uganda 32, Tanzania four and Rwanda one.
This will be the second time Rwanda hosts a junior event under the NCBA banner, following its debut last year.
Speaking at the launch, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the Series goes beyond competition.
“We are excited to launch the 2026 NCBA Golf Series. Each event targets club members and customers, juniors, amateurs and professionals, offering a platform for competition, friendship and personal growth. Our annual investment of over KES 60 million is not just a statistic; it reflects lives touched, dreams ignited and a legacy of excellence we are proud to nurture.”
Mr Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s focus on junior development, noting the expanded calendar for young golfers across the region.
“Last year, we saw junior players triumph even when competing against amateurs, and we would like to see that continue. At NCBA, we believe the future of golf lies in nurturing young talent.”
KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia welcomed the continued partnership, saying it had elevated the competitiveness of amateur golf in Kenya.
“Last year, we had one of the most competitive Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series. Strong partnerships like this give amateurs something to play for, and prize money is a strong motivation. We look forward to another exciting season.”
Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri described NCBA’s support as transformative for junior golf in East Africa.
“This partnership has revolutionised junior golf development. It creates clear pathways for young players to progress through the levels and aspire to turn professional.
Expanding junior tournaments to Rwanda and scaling them regionally shows a deep commitment to growing the game.”
The JGF-Kenya calendar will tee off with the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at VetLab Sports Club.